Where to Go… to Travel Back to Prehistoric Times
My children love the idea of the Stone and Iron Ages – flint tools, cave paintings, hill forts, making fire.
We have found a handful of places that give a feel for this age, which (Google reliably informs me!) is called Prehistory, or the period of human history before written records.
Below are some places to imagine your way back in time.
Hunt for a Stone Age Quarry in Shere Woodlands
A Stone Age quarry hides in the deepest parts of Shere Woodlands. Tracking it down is one of the wildest and most exciting trips I have been on since starting this site and one of those rare occasions where I actually began to feel like an explorer…
Climb to the Hill Fort on Holmbury Hill, Surrey Hills
Crowned by a hill fort built during the Iron Age, Holmbury Hill has views out to London’s towers, Gatwick Airport, the South Downs and even the glistening sea. The hill fort had ramparts with ditches of up to 4m deep and 9m wide, which are best seen in months when the braken has died back.
Visit a Roundhouse at Museum of the Iron Age
Musuem of the Iron Age brings to life the story of Danebury Hill Fort with exhibits that include a roundhouse you can visit and Iron Age artefacts you can hold.
Storm and Conquer Danebury Hill Fort, Near Andover
About 2,500 years ago, Danebury Hill Fort was a series of earthen ramparts, ditches and gateways protecting a central area. As you can imagine, it has a spectacular location with far-reaching views. It is also the setting for “Danger at Danebury Hill Fort,” one of Hampshire County Council’s Story Trails.
Defend Your Grain on the Danebury Hill Fort Story Trail, Andover
“Danger at Danebury Hill Fort” is a story trail that helps you to explore Danebury Hill Fort, imagine yourself living there during the Iron Age, then role play defending against attackers who want to steal your grain. It involves exploring, shouting, and running around and is lots of fun!
Conquer Soldier’s Ring and Crooksbury Hill, Near Farnham
Crooksbury Hill is guarded by Soldier’s Ring, an ancient hill fort now hidden by woodland. Climbing the hill is a mini-adventure. The steep paths rise through dappled woodland, under tumbling heathers and past enormous ant hills.
Climb Dragon Hill, St Catherine’s Hill, Guildford
A walk to St Catherine’s Hill involves the River Wey, bridges, a lock, a sacred spring and water meadows. St Catherine’s Hill used to be called Drakehull (or Dragon Hill) and is a sacred site that dates back thousands of years to the Stone Age.
Let’s have an adventure…
Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
